William Maley

General Motors and Honda have been working together on hydrogen fuel cells since 2013. The result of this work has led to new, more economical fuel cell stack that the two companies will build together via a joint venture in 2020. Today, the two automakers revealed the new joint venture - Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC. Based at GM's battery facility in Brownstown Township, MI, the venture will bring 100 new jobs and cost $85 million between the two companies. The fuel cell stack shown today is similar to the one currently in the Honda Clarity FCV. The difference is the stack shown uses fewer materials and is simpler to produce. “Over the past three years, engineers from Honda and GM have been working as one team with each company providing know-how from its unique expertise to create a compact and low-cost next-gen fuel cell system. This foundation of outstanding teamwork will now take us to the stage of joint mass production of a fuel cell system that will help each company create new value for our customers in fuel cell vehicles of the future,” said Toshiaki Mikoshiba, chief operating officer of the North American Region for Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and president of Honda North America, Inc. “With the next-generation fuel cell system, GM and Honda are making a dramatic step toward lower cost, higher-volume fuel cell systems. Precious metals have been reduced dramatically and a fully cross-functional team is developing advanced manufacturing processes simultaneously with advances in the design. The result is a lower-cost system that is a fraction of the size and mass,” said Charlie Freese, GM executive director of Global Fuel Cell Business. But there is still the elephant in the room when it comes to hydrogen vehicles - the lack of infrastructure. GM and Honda reiterated plans to work with Governments and other to fix this issue. Source: General Motors, Honda Press Release is on Page 2 GM and Honda to Establish Industry-First Joint Fuel Cell System Manufacturing Operation in Michigan Advanced fuel cell technology will be applied to each company’s future products DETROIT — General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) and Honda (NYSE: HMC) today announced establishment of the auto industry’s first manufacturing joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in future products from each company. Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC will operate within GM’s existing battery pack manufacturing facility site in Brownstown, Michigan, south of Detroit. Mass production of fuel cell systems is expected to begin around 2020 and create nearly 100 new jobs. The companies are making equal investments totaling $85 million in the joint venture. Honda and GM have been working together through a master collaboration agreement announced in July 2013. It established the co-development arrangement for a next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies. The companies integrated their development teams and shared hydrogen fuel cell intellectual property to create a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems. “Over the past three years, engineers from Honda and GM have been working as one team with each company providing know-how from its unique expertise to create a compact and low-cost next-gen fuel cell system,” said Toshiaki Mikoshiba, chief operating officer of the North American Region for Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and president of Honda North America, Inc. “This foundation of outstanding teamwork will now take us to the stage of joint mass production of a fuel cell system that will help each company create new value for our customers in fuel cell vehicles of the future.” The Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM) joint venture will be operated by a board of directors consisting of three executives from each company that will include a rotating chairperson. In addition, a president will be appointed to rotate between each company. GM and Honda are acknowledged leaders in fuel cell technology with more than 2,220 patents between them, according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index. GM and Honda rank No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, in total fuel cell patents filed in 2002 through 2015. “The combination of two leaders in fuel cell innovation is an exciting development in bringing fuel cells closer to the mainstream of propulsion applications,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The eventual deployment of this technology in passenger vehicles will create more differentiated and environmentally friendly transportation options for consumers.” Fuel cell technology addresses many of the major challenges facing automobiles today: petroleum dependency, emissions, efficiency, range and refueling times. Fuel cell vehicles can operate on hydrogen made from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. Water vapor is the only emission from fuel cell vehicles. In addition to advancing the performance of the fuel cell system, GM and Honda are working together to reduce the cost of development and manufacturing through economies of scale and common sourcing. The two companies also continue to work with governments and other stakeholders to further advance the refueling infrastructure that is critical for the long-term viability and consumer acceptance of fuel cell vehicles. GM is currently demonstrating the capability of fuel cells across a range of land, sea and air applications. The company has accumulated millions of miles of real-world driving in fuel cell vehicles. “With the next-generation fuel cell system, GM and Honda are making a dramatic step toward lower cost, higher-volume fuel cell systems. Precious metals have been reduced dramatically and a fully cross-functional team is developing advanced manufacturing processes simultaneously with advances in the design,” said Charlie Freese, GM executive director of Global Fuel Cell Business. “The result is a lower-cost system that is a fraction of the size and mass.” Honda began delivery of its all-new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle to U.S. customers in December 2016 following a spring 2016 launch in Japan. The Clarity Fuel Cell received the best driving range rating from the EPA of any electric vehicle without a combustion engine with a range rating of 366 miles and fuel economy rating of 68 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent combined. “The expertise Honda has established that led to creation of the first-generation Clarity fuel cell system is valuable experience that we are leveraging in the joint development of the next-generation fuel cell system with GM,” said Takashi Sekiguchi, managing officer and director and chief operating officer of Automotive Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “Our collaboration is an opportunity to further utilize the strengths of each company to popularize fuel cell vehicles at the earliest possible time.” GM and Honda collaborated in a powertrain cross-supply arrangement in 1999 under which Honda manufactured 50,000 V-6 engines for the Saturn VUE and Honda received diesel engines from GM’s Isuzu affiliate for use in Europe. View full article

It has been a few months since we last reported on the mid-engine Corvette. But thanks to a spy photographer, we have some new pictures of the mid-engine model which gives us some new details. The pictures show the mid-engine Corvette playing around with a couple of ZR1 prototypes in the snow. When put next to the ZR1 prototype, the mid-engine Corvette's proportions are very different - short front end and long rear end. It appears the mid-engine prototype is also sporting massive air intakes in the rear fenders. We still don't know anything about the mid-engine Corvette's powertrain. We've been hearing the possibility of a 6.2L DOHC V8 to a turbocharged V6. We believe the mid-engine Corvette will debut either in 2018 or 2019. Source: Autoblog, AutoGuide , Road & Track View full article

Even though Volkswagen revealed the updated Golf only a couple months ago, rumors are beginning to fly on the next-generation. Case in point is a report from Autocar which say the next-generation Golf GTI could be boasting a mild-hybrid system to provide a boost both in power and fuel economy. A new 48V electrical system and integrated starter motor will allow Volkswagen to make some significant changes to the 2.0L four-cylinder. One change could be swapping the turbocharger for an electric compressor to allow for better low-end response and torque being available across a wider rpm spread. Reportedly, Volkswagen's goal for the new powertrain is 261 horsepower - the same in the limited-run GTI Clubsport for Europe. An overboost function could bump horsepower to 290. At the moment, the only transmission being talked about is a seven-speed DSG. An updated version of the MQB platform will help cut 110 pounds. The next-generation GTI is expected to arrive in 2020. Source: Autocar View full article

Workers at General Motors' CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario are reeling from the news this morning that 625 workers will be laid off. This unexpected move comes as the plant will solely focus on production of the new Chevrolet Equinox. Production of the GMC Terrain which had been part of CAMI will move down to Mexico for the 2018 model. Not surprising, officials at Unifor are none too pleased with this. “I’m shocked, it’s an absolute embarrassment on behalf of GM as far as I’m concerned,” said Mike Van Boekel, chairperson of Unifor Local 88 to London radio station AM980. "It was previously announced with employees that the next generation GMC Terrain will be produced outside of CAMI. We have confirmed the production location to be Mexico," said GM Canada Corporate and Internal Communications manager Jennifer Wright to CBC News. GM Spokesman Tom Wickam tells The Detroit News the decision is not because of Terrain production moving down to Mexico, but due to an expected decline in overall production at the plant. But Unifor Local 88 president Dan Borthwick tells CBC News that GM that when the news of the Terrain moving down to Mexico was announced, it was Unifor's understanding that no jobs would be lost. "Our understanding [was] that we had sufficient production in the future and we would not be incurring any layoffs. Within a week or two weeks we get this horrible news this morning that 600 members would be laid off." GM disputes this, saying in a statement it "provided Unifor advanced notification of labour impacts related to product changeovers and transition at its CAMI facility." Nevertheless, Unifor is angry. Unifor President Jerry Dias blasted GM and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) over the layoffs. He called the layoffs as “shining example of everything wrong with NAFTA. It must be re-negotiated. It is imperative that we have trade rules that help ensure good jobs in Canada." “This decision reeks of corporate greed. It is not based on sales, it is an another example of how good jobs are being shifted out of Canada for cheaper labor in Mexico and Unifor will not let it happen without a fight.” Dias went on to say that he is all for President Donald Trump's plan to renegotiate NAFTA. It should be noted that CAMI was not involved in contract negotiations last year as they are covered by a different labor agreement. Negotiations will begin sometime later this for a new labor agreement at CAMI. Source: AM980, CBC News , The Detroit News, The Truth About Cars View full article

There is no love lost between Tesla Motors and the former director of Autopilot. Bloomberg reports that the Silicon Valley automaker has sued Sterling Anderson over allegations of stealing confidential information about Autopilot and trying to recruit Tesla employees to his new venture. In the court filing, Tesla says Anderson began work on an autonomous-car venture, Aurora Innovation LLC back in summer when he was head of the Autopilot project. As the director of Autopilot, Anderson would have access to Tesla's semi-autonomous tech. He would leave Tesla in December. Anderson has been collaborating with the former head of Google’s self-driving car project, Chris Urmson. Tesla is seeking a court order barring Anderson from "any use of Tesla’s proprietary information related to autonomous driving." Tesla is also seeking an order banning Anderson and Aurora Innovation from recruiting Tesla employees and contractors for a year after Anderson’s termination date. “Tesla’s meritless lawsuit reveals both a startling paranoia and an unhealthy fear of competition. This abuse of the legal system is a malicious attempt to stifle a competitor and destroy personal reputations. Aurora looks forward to disproving these false allegations in court and to building a successful self-driving business,” Aurora Innovation LLC said in a statement yesterday. Source: Bloomberg View full article

Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is already being investigated by German prosecutors over market manipulation because of the diesel emission scandal. But now, he finds himself under a new investigation by prosecutors on the suspicion of fraud. Reuters reports that prosecutors in Braunschweig believe Winterkorn knew about the cheat used on the 2.0L TDI well before the timeframe he has admittedly publicly. This suspicion comes as the result of numerous interviews with witnesses and suspects, along with raids on 28 houses and offices this week. "Sufficient indications have resulted from the investigation, particularly the questioning of witnesses and suspects as well as the analysis of seized data, that the accused (Winterkorn) may have known about the manipulating software and its effects sooner than he has said publicly," prosecutors said in a statement. At a hearing last week in Berlin, Winterkorn declined to say when he first learned about the cheat, citing the investigation being done by prosecutors. "For now, Dr. Winterkorn is sticking with the statement he made before a German parliamentary committee of inquiry (into the scandal) on Jan. 19," said Felix Doerr, a lawyer representing Winterkorn in an email to Reuters. Prosecutors also revealed that the number of people possibly involved in the scandal has risen from 21 to 37, including Winterkorn. Source: Reuters View full article

If there is one issue that is top of mind for various folks at Cadillac, it is the lack of crossovers. Their sedan-heavy lineup isn't doing them any favors in a marketplace crazy for crossovers and SUVs. The brand does have some breathing room thanks to increasing sales in China, but they know they need crossovers now. “It’s left us with the obvious difficulty. The core part of our volume lineup is in the market that’s contracting while we are unable, as good as XT5 and Escalade are, we are unable to fully exploit the updraft that’s taking place in the other half of the market,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen to The Detroit News. The bad news is the first of a handful will not arrive till the second half of 2018 according to de Nysschen. The first is a model that will be smaller than the XT5, what we believe will be called the XT3. Some analysts believe the XT3 will be built at Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. Then a full-size crossover slotted between the XT5 and Escalade will come next. We think this could be the sister model to the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. Finally, de Nysschen hinted that an even smaller crossover could arrive after 2020. That doesn't mean Cadillac isn't working on their sedan lineup either. The XTS is expected to get a refresh later this year. Cadillac will also be launching a sedan to compete with the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA in 2019. A coupe and convertible will join the sedan around the same time. de Nysschen explained the entry-level luxury marketplace is growing and the company wants a piece of it. Source: The Detroit News View full article

Volvo has been busy filing trademark applications in Europe. Swedespeed reports that Volvo has applications filed for P5, P6, P8, P9, and P10 with European Union Intellectual Property Office. The applications say the names would be used for “vehicles and conveyances; Electric vehicles.” This leads Sweedspeed to speculate the names could be used on Volvo's current models to designate an electric version - S90 P6 for example. Last year, Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said they plan on launching their first electric vehicle by 2019. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Volvo has filled out trademark applications V20 and V30. There isn't much information with these applications, saying they could be used on motor vehicles or other items such as steering wheels. Swedespeed thinks these names could be for small vehicles. Source: Swedespeed View full article

Before too long, Lamborghini will have three models in its lineup; Aventador, Huracan, and the Urus SUV. But there is talk about another model joining the lineup. Let us set the scene. Motoring reports that Lamborghini's new CEO Stefano Domenicali wants to see the brand's sports cars to use a single platform as a way to share parts and reduce costs in development. The current Aventador and Huracan share very little and Domenicali believes this is unworkable. “If we talk about super sports cars we need to consider that the right approach would be to be modular. We cannot have two models with two power units, two gearboxes, two chassis, honestly it’s not viable in terms of business case,” said Domenicali. “That’s something we need to think about for the future.” How does this connect to adding a new model? Motoring asked if Lamborghini was to develop a modular platform, would they consider doing a smaller sports car? “I think the answer is possibly yes. But so far we need to make sure the third model [Urus] will be stable enough to think about a fourth model,” said Domenicali. If Lamborghini was to go forward with this, expect sometime after 2022. Source: Motoring View full article

Has it really been two years since Ford introduced the GT? *Looks at calendar* Yep, it has been two years. Since that time, we have been wondering about how much power the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 would produce. Ford has finally revealed the numbers earlier this morning. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 will produce 647 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Ford hasn't revealed the 0-60 mph time, but does say the GT has a top speed of 216 mph - making the fastest production vehicle done by the blue oval. Dry weight (meaning no fluids) comes in at 3,054 lbs. Ford also published lap times of the GT against a Ferrari 458 Speciale and McLaren 675LT done at Calabogie Motorsports Park in Ontario, Canada during development. The times are as followed, Ford GT: 2:09.8 McLaren 675LT: 2:10.8 Ferrari 458 Speciale: 2:12.9 Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 FORD GT DELIVERS HIGHEST TOP SPEED, FASTEST LAP TIMES ON THE TRACK OF ANY PRODUCTION FORD EVER Assisted by fully active dynamic systems, all-new Ford GT achieves top speed of 216 mph – the highest ever for any Ford production vehicle Strong power-to-weight ratio coupled with the most advanced active suspension system in the segment gives Ford GT the edge in lap times versus the competition Fully active dynamic systems provide optimum downforce, drag and balance at any speed – making the car faster for drivers of all skill levels DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 25, 2017 – Delivering the highest output of any EcoBoost® production engine to date, the all-new Ford GT couples its extraordinary power with impressive aerodynamic efficiency and advanced active dynamics to achieve a maximum speed of 216 mph – making it the fastest Ford production vehicle on the track ever. Capable of an exceptional top speed, Ford’s all-new supercar is designed and optimized for track performance to honor its racing heritage. In 2016 development testing, with all contenders track-prepped with new fluids, fresh tires and optimal suspension settings, in identical conditions and with the same driver behind the wheel, Ford GT bested both the McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 458 Speciale at Calabogie Motorsports Park in Canada. The numbers speak for themselves: Ford GT: 2:09.8 McLaren 675LT: 2:10.8 Ferrari 458 Speciale: 2:12.9 SAE-rated at 647 horsepower and with 550 lb.-ft. of torque, Ford’s new high-output 3.5-liter V6 powerplant produces the most horsepower of any EcoBoost production engine ever, making Ford GT the fastest production car ever to wear the Blue Oval badge. The engine’s wide powerband produces 90 percent of its peak torque from 3,500 rpm. “Our expectation has always been that the EcoBoost V6 would perform exceptionally well in the Ford GT – both in terms of power as well as aerodynamic efficiency,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “We tested and developed this powertrain through the Daytona Prototype race car that ran in IMSA for two seasons, last season racing with Ford GT. We are extremely pleased with how it performs, both on the track and on the road.” Ford GT’s dry weight just tops 3,000 pounds, which places the supercar between its two primary competitors, the McLaren 675LT and Ferrari 488. Ford GT’s power-to-weight ratio is 4.72 pounds/horsepower. “The Ford GT is all about performance,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, global product development and chief technical officer. “We achieved considerable weight savings with the carbon fiber architecture. We then reinvested some of that savings into where it counts most – performance, specifically, the active dynamics. The result is an even faster car.” The active dynamics systems – for both suspension and aerodynamics – are designed to make the car perform with optimum downforce, drag and balance at any speed, creating a faster setup regardless of driver skill level. Ford GT, with no excuses to give, has proven itself time and again, racing to class wins at Le Mans and numerous other tracks in both IMSA and WEC last season. The production Ford GT shares a great deal with the high-performance track version, with advanced aero and suspension features added that take it to another level. View full article

The CEOs of Detroit's three automakers met with President Donald Trump this morning to talk about investments. Specifically, investments into U.S. manufacturing. "We have a very big push on to have auto plants and other plants -- many other plants," Trump told reporters at the meeting. “We’re going to make the process much more simple for the oil companies and everybody else that wants to do business in the United States.” During the meeting, Trump told the CEOs that he plans on cutting corporate tax rates to 15-20 percent, and reduce regulations by 75 percent. “We think we can cut regulations by 75 percent. Maybe more. When you want to expand your plant, or when Mark wants to come in and build a big massive plant, or when Dell wants to come in and do something monstrous and special -- you’re going to have your approvals really fast,” said Trump. One regulation that is likely going to be shown the door are the EPA's 2025 fuel economy regulations which were set in stone during the final days of President Obama's tenure. Automakers have been asking President Trump to rethink the aggressive mandates set by the agency. “I am, to a large extent, an environmentalist. I believe in it. But, it’s out of control,” said Trump. After the meeting, Ford CEO Mark Fields seemed the most upbeat when speaking to reporters. "As an industry we're excited about working together with the president," said Fields. GM CEO Mary Barra said she sees a “huge opportunity” with working with the president to “improve the environment, improve safety and improve job creation.” FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne was less enthused than the other two, stating the meeting was a positive one. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Detroit Free Press View full article

Earlier this month, Ford CEO Mark Fields dropped some big bombshells concerning the company. One of those was a hybrid version of the F-150 for 2020. A spy photographer has given us our first look at what Ford has in mind for this. The F-150 mule caught in pictures only has the front covered up. But it appears the truck is a plug-hybrid. This conclusion is due to flaps that aren't hidden so well. One of these likely has the door hiding the socket to plug in the truck. The photographer who took the photos reports the mule had a slightly narrow front track and sounded like it had a four-cylinder under the hood. Motor1 isn't sure about this considering Mark Fields said the model "will offer powerful towing and payload capacity and operate as a mobile generator.” Achieving this with a four-cylinder could be tough unless Ford is planning to have a big battery pack and electric motors to do it. Over at Trucks.com, they think the F-150 plug-in hybrid could use the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder found in the Mustang as it delivers 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque - giving it the necessary power to pull off Field's claim. Source: Motor1, Trucks.com View full article